ILLINOIS 2013 RULES OF THE ROAD potx

Illinois is a leader in highway safety. Over
the last decade, this state has produced
some of the toughest highway safety laws
in the nation. As the leading traffic safety
advocate for the state, my office has led
the charge against drunk and distracted
drivers. Illinois also has adopted some of the toughest driver’s
license standards for teen drivers.
My office has also adopted policies that have allowed the driving
public to more easily access Secretary of State services. Hundreds
of thousands of drivers and registered vehicle owners have utilized
services on my office’s website at www.cyberdriveillinois.com to
renew their driver’s license and license plates, register their infor-
ma
tion in the Emergency Contact Database or to join the Organ/
Tis sue Donor Registry.
As Secretary of State, I continue to maintain the highest standards
when it comes to traffic safety and public service in Illinois.
Jesse White
Secretary of State
Illinois Rules of the Road 2013
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Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Illinois Driver’s License 2
Chapter 2: Driver’s License Exams 11
Chapter 3: Drivers Under Age 21 (GDL) 14
Chapter 4: Traffic Laws 19
Chapter 5: Sharing the Road 35
Chapter 6: Driving Under the Influence (DUI) 42
Chapter 7: Traffic Violations/Crashes 48

Chapter 8: Driver’s License Revocation, Suspension, Denial, Cancellation 51
Chapter 9: Roadway Signs 56
Chapter 10: Traffic Signals and Pavement Markings 70
Chapter 11: Safe Driving Tips 76
Chapter 12: Equipment for Safe Driving 85
Chapter 13: Owning a Vehicle 88
Answers to Study Questions 92
Index 93
U.S. Department of Labor Hazardous Occupations Order #2 96
This edition of the
Illinois Rules of the Road
is as accurate as possible at the time of
publication. The booklet contains information you must know to pass the written test
on traffic laws and signs in order to obtain basic driving privileges. It includes infor-
mation on obtaining a driver’s license, driver’s license laws, traffic safety issues and
general information regarding Illinois traffic laws and ordinances.
The language of the
Illinois Compiled Statutes
is condensed and paraphrased and
does not cover every law or explain every possible situation that motorists may face
while operating a motor vehicle. The manual also provides highway safety informa-
tion not in the law. It is intended as a tool for drivers and should not be cited as a legal
authority in court. Additional information and many forms are available at www.cyber-
driveillinois.com.
Chapter 1: Illinois Driver’s License
To drive legally in Illinois, you must have a valid Illinois driver’s license, probationary
license, instruction permit, Restricted Driving Permit or Monitoring Device Driving
Permit. To receive a driver’s license, you must:
• Visit a Driver Services facility, show required identification documents and have
your photo taken.

• Surrender all Illinois or out-of-state licenses, state ID cards, instruction permits and
commercial driver’s licenses.
• Pay the appropriate fee.
• Pass the appropriate exams (vision screening, written and/or driving).
Age Restrictions
You must be at least age 18 to obtain an Illinois driver’s license. The following excep-
tions apply:
• If you are age 16 or 17, you may receive your license if you successfully complete a
state-approved driver education course, complete 50 hours of practice driving and
pass the three parts of the driver’s license exam. If a parent cannot accompany a
minor to the facility, an Affidavit/Consent for Minor to Drive must be signed by a
legal guardian or a responsible adult over age 21. For more information about
obtaining a driver’s license before age 18, see page 14.
• Drivers under age 21 are not allowed to drive any vehicle for-hire that is transporting
more than 10 passengers, or drive a commuter van, religious organization bus, school
bus, vehicle transporting senior citizens or child-care vehicle.
Additional requirements
• You are required to carry your driver’s license or permit with you when you drive.
• To obtain a license to operate a motorcycle or commercial vehicle, please refer to the
Illinois Motorcycle Operator Manual
, the
Rules of the Road for Non-CDL Vehicles
or
the
Commercial Driver’s License Study Guide
, available at any Secretary of State
facility or at www.cyberdriveillinois.com.
• A driver must meet special requirements to operate a school bus (contact your local
school district); religious organization bus; child-care vehicle; vehicle used in for-
profit ride sharing; or vehicle used for senior citizen transportation. Please check

with your employer, a local Driver Services facility, or call the Safe Ride Section of
the Secretary of State’s office.
Exemptions
You may drive in Illinois without a valid Illinois driver’s license under the following cir-
cumstances:
• If you have permanently moved to Illinois from another state or country, your non-
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Illinois driver’s license is valid for 90 days. You must obtain an Illinois license within
that 90-day period or when the driver’s license expires, whichever comes first.
• If you are visiting or driving through Illinois, you must have a valid driver’s license
from your home state or country.
• If you are an out-of-state student attending an Illinois college/university, you, your
spouse and children may drive with a valid license from your home state or country.
• If you are on active duty with the U.S. Armed Forces, you, your spouse and children
may drive with a valid license from your home state.
• If you have been serving in the U.S. Armed Forces outside the United States but are
a legal resident of Illinois, you may drive during the first 120 days of your return with
a military deferral license.
• If you are employed by the U.S. government or are a member of the U.S. Armed
Forces, you do not need a valid Illinois license if you are on official business and
driving a vehicle owned by or leased to the government.
• If you are operating a road machine temporarily on the roadway or operating a farm
tractor between the farm buildings and nearby farmland, you do not need a valid
Illinois driver’s license.
Changing Your Name/Address
You must apply for a new driver’s license by visiting a Driver Services facility within
30 days of legally changing your name. You must provide documentation that links
your new name to the name on your current driver’s license card and on file with the
Secretary of State’s office. The name displayed on your driver’s license will be your

full given name and surname as recorded at birth, recorded at marriage, recorded with
the Social Security Administration or otherwise established through legal action. The
appropriate fee must be paid to receive a new license and/or ID card.
You also must notify the Secretary of State’s office of an address change within 10
days by visiting a Driver Services facility; visiting www.cyberdriveillinois.com; or writ-
ing to: Secretary of State, Driver Services Department, Address Change, 2701 S.
Dirksen Pkwy., Springfield, IL 62723.
You will not receive a new license reflecting the address change unless you visit a
facility, present acceptable forms of proof of residency and pay the appropriate fee.
CDL holders must notify the Secretary of State’s office within 10 days of a name/
address change and must obtain a corrected driver’s license within 30 days of a name/
address change.
Note: Driver Services facilities are closed on all state and federal holidays. Please check
the hours of your facility before visiting. Facility phone numbers are available in the gov-
ernment listings in your telephone directory or at www.cyberdriveillinois.com.
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Document/Identification Requirements
To receive an Illinois driver’s license/ID card, you must provide acceptable forms of
identification to prove your legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, residen-
cy and signature. Please refer to the Acceptable Identification Documents chart on
page 6 for a list of documents that may be used. Please note the following:
• Signature comparison is required in the verification process.
• The number of documents required depends on whether an applicant is applying for
a driver’s license/ID card for the first time, or requesting a duplicate or corrected dri-
ver’s license/ID card.
• One document may satisfy more than one group.
• New residents must surrender all Illinois or out-of-state licenses/ID cards and/or
instruction permits prior to issuance of an Illinois driver’s license/ID card.
• An applicant applying for a Temporary Visitor Driver’s License is not required to pres-
ent documents from Group C. Instead, the applicant must submit a letter on Social

Security Administration letterhead with each application, issued within 90 days prior
to the date of application, verifying ineligibility for a Social Security number.
First-time Illinois Driver’s License/ID Card Applicant
An applicant applying for a driver’s license/ID card for the first time in Illinois must present:
• One document that satisfies each of Group A, B and C.
• Two documents that satisfy Group D (one document from Group D if applicant under
age 5 is applying for an ID card).
Duplicate/Corrected Driver’s License/ID Card Applicant
An applicant applying for either a duplicate or corrected driver’s license/ID card must
present:
• One document that satisfies Group A.
• One document that satisfies Group B, C or D (two documents from Group D if appli-
cant is requesting an address change to appear on the document, unless applicant
under age 5 is applying for an ID card).
• An applicant who requests a change in name, date of birth, Social Security number
or gender must provide identification to link the change from the previous informa-
tion to the new information.
• An applicant under age 60 whose license was stolen must present a police report
to receive a duplicate driver’s license/ID card at no cost. Persons over age 60 do not
need a police report for a duplicate driver’s license/ID card at no cost.
Illinois Driver’s License/ID Card Renewal Applicant
An applicant renewing a current Illinois driver’s license or ID card need only present
his/her current valid driver’s license or ID card if no changes are required. If the appli-
cant does not have his/her current driver’s license or ID card or changes are required,
he/she must present:
• One document that satisfies Group A.
• One document that satisfies each of Group B, C or D (two documents from Group D
if applicant is requesting an address change to appear on the document).
Driver’s License Classifications
Driver’s licenses are classified by the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of your vehicle.

Drivers seeking a basic license to operate a car in Illinois are issued a Class D license.
• Class A — Any combination of motor vehicles with a gross combined weight rat-
ing (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, providing that the vehicle being towed is in
excess of 10,000 pounds. Does not include motorcycles or motor-driven cycles. (A
CDL is generally required.)
• Class B — Any single motor vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more or any
such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds. Does not include
motorcycles or motor-driven cycles. (A CDL is generally required.)
• Class C — Any motor vehicle with a GVWR of more than 16,000 pounds but less
than 26,001 pounds; or any such vehicle towing another with a GVWR of 10,000
pounds or less; or any such vehicle designed to carry 16 or more passengers, includ-
ing the driver, or hazardous materials that require placarding. Does not include
motorcycles or motor-driven cycles.
• Class D — Any motor vehicle with a GVWR of 16,000 pounds or less, except those
vehicles requiring a Class A, B or C driver’s license or an L or M motorcycle license.
• Class L — Any motor-driven cycle with less than 150cc displacement.
• Class M — Any motorcycle or motor-driven cycle.
NOTE: Holders of a Class D license may also operate rental vehicles up to 26,000
pounds when transporting their own personal property or that of an immediate family
member for non-business purposes within the State of Illinois. The driver is required
and should be provided information to successfully complete a safety course regarding
the safe operation of that vehicle from the rental company.
Certain licenses can be issued under special circumstances:
• Probationary License — Issued in conjunction with a driver improvement activity
that grants full driving privileges during a period of suspension for drivers age 21
and over. The license may only be issued to a person suspended for three moving
violations in a 12-month period and cannot be issued for more than three months.
• Restricted Local Driver’s License — Issued to drivers who live in communities
with less than 3,500 residents and drive only within certain areas of the community.
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• Cancelled Check (within 90 days prior to application)
• CDTP Certification Form
• Court Order
• Credit Card/Debit Card (major brand)
• Driver Education Certificate
• Government Driver’s License
• Government ID Card (current)
• Illinois Driver’s License (current)
• Illinois ID Card (current)
• Medicare Card with suffix A, J, H, M or T
• Military Service Record (DD214)
• Mortgage or Installment Loan Documents
• Out-of-State Driver’s License/ID Card (current)
• Passport (valid U.S. or foreign)
• Social Security Card
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Forms — I-551
(Alien Registration Card); I-766 (Employment Authorization Card); I-94
(Arrival/Departure Record) with Valid Passport
• U.S. Military Driver’s License/ID Card
Acceptable major brand credit cards (for signature verification only) in-
clude American Express, Diners Club, Discover, Master Card and Visa.
Group A — Written Signature
Group B — Date of Birth
• Adoption Records
• Birth Certificate
• Court Order (Change of birth date)
• Certified Grade/High School/College/University Transcript
• Illinois Driver’s License (current)
• Illinois ID Card (current)

• Military Service Record (DD214)
• Naturalization Certificate
• Passport (valid with complete date of birth)
•
Social Security Award Letter (primary beneficiary only)
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Forms — I-551
(Alien Registration Card); I-571 (Refugee Travel Document); I-766
(Employment Authorization Card); I-797A (Notice of Action Status
Change); I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record) with Valid Passport
• U.S. Military Driver’s License/ID Card
• U.S. Passport Card (valid with complete date of birth)
• U.S. Visa
Group B documents must contain the applicant’s full name and com-
plete date of birth and must be verifiable. To be verifiable, it must be
possible to contact the regulatory authority to confirm the authenticity
of the document.
Birth Certificates must be original or certified by a Board of Health or Bu-
reau of Vital Statistics within the U.S. or by the U.S. State Department, U.S.
territories or Canada. A certified copy is a document produced by the is-
suing jurisdiction which has an embossed seal or an original stamped im-
pression. Foreign passports and foreign birth certificates are accepted as
proof if accompanied by any other item in Group B.
Group C — Social Security Number
• Illinois Driver’s License Record
• Illinois ID Card Record
• Military Service Record (DD214)
•
Social Security Award Letter (primary beneficiary only)
• Social Security Card (issued by SSA)
• U.S. Military Driver’s License/ID Card

Group C documents must contain the applicant’s name and full Social Security Num-
ber. If using an Illinois driver’s license or ID record, the Social Security Number must
have been previously verified with the SSA.
An applicant applying for a Temporary Visitor Driver’s License is not required to
present documents from Group C. Instead, the applicant must submit a letter on SSA
letterhead with each application, issued within 90 days prior to the date of appli-
cation, verifying ineligibility for a Social Security number.
Group D — Residency
(2 Documents Required)
• Affidavit — Certificate of Residency
• Bank Statement (dated within 90 days prior to application)
• Canceled Check (dated within 90 days prior to application)
• Certified Grade/High School/College/University Transcript
• Credit Report (issued by Experian, Equifax or
TransUnion, dated within 12 months of application)
• Deed/Title, Mortgage, Rental/Lease agreement
• Insurance Policy (homeowner’s or renter’s)
• Letter on Official School Letterhead (dated within 90 days prior to application)
• Medical Claim or Statement of Benefits (from private insurance company or
public (government) agency, dated within 90 days of application)
• Official mail received from a State, County, City or
Village or a Federal Government agency (must include first and last name of ap-
plicant and complete current address), may include — Homestead Exemption
Receipt; Illinois FOID Card; Jury Duty Notice (issued within 90 days of applica-
tion); Selective Service Card; Social Security Annual Statement; Social Security
Disability Insurance Statement; Supplemental Security Income Benefits State-
ment; Voter Registration Card
• Pay Stub or Electronic Deposit Receipt
• Pension or Retirement Statement
• Phone Book, produced by a phone book publisher

• Report Card from Grade/High School or College/University
• Tuition invoice/official mail from college or university, dated within the 12
months prior to application
• Vehicle Registration Card
• Utility Bill (electric, water, refuse, telephone land/cell, cable or gas, issued
within 90 days of application)
Group D documents must contain the applicant’s full residence address. Documents
in Groups A, B or C, that contain the full residence address also may be used for
Group D.
One document from Group D is required for applicants under the age of 5 applying
for an identification card.
Presenting a “Homeless Status Certification” for a no-fee Identification Card meets
Group D requirements.
ACCEPTABLE IDENTIFICATION DOCUMENTS
PHOTOCOPIES ARE NOT ACCEPTED
All acceptable documents presented for verification or proof must be valid (current and not expired).
One document may satisfy more than one Group.
• Bond Receipt or Bail/Bond Card
• Business Card
• Check Cashing Card
• Club/Fraternal Membership Card
• College or University ID Card
• Commercially produced
(non-State or unofficial) ID Card
• Fishing License
• HFS (Healthcare and Family Serv-
ices) Card
• Handwritten ID/Employment Card
• Hunting License
• Instruction Permit/Receipt

• Insurance Card
• Library Card
• Personal Mail
• Temporary Driver’s License
• Traffic Citation (Arrest Ticket)
• Video Club Membership Card
• Wallet ID
• Unlicensed Financial Institution Loan
Papers
Unacceptable Documents
After review of all identification presented,
Secretary of State management has the right
to accept or refuse any document.
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Driver’s License Renewal
About 90 days before your driver’s license expires, you should receive a renewal
notice from the Secretary of State’s office with information on what documents you
need to provide and what tests are necessary. You may renew your license up to one
year before a two- or four-year driver’s license expires. You may renew up to six
months before a one-year driver’s license expires.
You may not receive a renewal notice if you fail to notify the Secretary of State’s office
of a change of name or address. State law requires you to inform the Secretary of State’s
office of an address change within 10 days. It is the driver’s responsibility to renew
his or her license before expiration, regardless of whether a renewal letter is
received.
A driver’s license is valid for four years and expires on the driver’s birthday except in
the following cases:
• Driver under age 21 — license expires three months after 21st birthday.
• Driver age 81-86 — license valid for two years.
• Driver age 87 and older — license requires annual renewal.

For more information on renewing a CDL or motorcycle license, check the
Illinois
Motorcycle Operator Manual
, the
Rules of the Road for Non-CDL Vehicles
or the
Commercial Driver’s License Study Guide
.
Standard Renewal
To renew your driver’s license, you must:
• Visit a Driver Services facility and present your renewal notice.
• Take the appropriate exam(s), if applicable.
• Pay the appropriate fee and have a new photo taken.
Upon payment and successful completion of any required testing, the Secretary of
State will issue your new driver’s license before you leave the facility. For more infor-
mation on the vision, written or driving exam, see page 11.
Safe Driver Renewal
The Safe Driver Renewal Program enables drivers with clean driving records to renew
their driver’s licenses from home and visit a Driver Services facility only once every
eight years. Eligible drivers will receive a notice in the mail detailing how to complete
the renewal process online, by phone or by mail. To be eligible for Safe Driver
Renewal, a driver must:
• Be age 22-74;
• Not hold a commercial driver’s license (CDL) or school bus driver permit;
• Have no traffic infractions, sanctions, crash reports or medical report review
requirements; and
• Have Social Security information verified through the Social Security Online
Verification System.
Safe drivers will receive their new license by mail. For more information, visit
www.cyberdriveillinois.com.

Penalties for Driver’s License/ID Card Fraud
The following offenses will result in your arrest and possible imprisonment of up to
five years and the suspension or revocation of your driver’s license for a minimum of
12 months:
• Signing a driver’s license/ID card application that includes false information.
• Presenting false identification for the purposes of obtaining a driver’s license/ID
card.
• Using a fictitious or unlawfully altered driver’s license/permit.
• Presenting another person’s driver’s license/ID card as if it were yours.
• Allowing another person to use your identification documents to apply for a driver’s
license/ID card.
Notations on the Back of Your Driver’s License
On the back of your license you may:
• Note your blood type and RH factor.
• Indicate you carry an Emergency Medical Information Card. Stickers are available at
any Driver Services facility, hospitals, schools, medical groups or associations that
provide Emergency Medical Information Cards.
• Indicate that you carry a living will and/or power of attorney for health care notifi-
cation card. Stickers are available at any Driver Services facility.
Medical Report
When you apply for a driver’s license, you will be asked about any physical or mental
conditions that may potentially impair your safe operation of a motor vehicle, or any
medications you use (prescribed or over-the-counter), drugs or alcohol that may impair
your driving ability. In certain instances, you must provide a Medical Report complet-
ed by your doctor verifying your medical ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. The
report must be presented to the Driver Services facility personnel within 90 days from
the date the doctor signs it. The form is available at any Driver Services facility or at
www.cyberdriveillinois.com.
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If you develop a medical condition that is likely to cause a loss of consciousness or
any loss of ability to safely operate a vehicle, you must notify the Secretary of State’s
office within 10 days of becoming aware of the condition. Failure to do so may lead
to cancellation of your driver’s license and driving privileges.
Non-Driving Programs
Related to Your Driver’s License
The Secretary of State’s office is required to ask certain non-driving-related questions
during the driver’s license/ID card application process. Among these are:
• Illinois Organ/Tissue Donor Registry – Persons age 18 and older will be asked to
join the registry. Your wishes regarding organ/tissue donation will be honored. For
more information, visit www.LifeGoesOn.com or call 800-210-2106.
• Voter Registration – Any person applying for a driver’s license/ID card will be
asked if he/she would like to apply to register to vote. The application will be
mailed to the appropriate election authority for processing. The local election
authority will then mail a voter registration card to the applicant. For more informa-
tion, contact your local election authority.
• Selective Service – Federal law requires all males ages 18-25 to register with the
Selective Service System. The signature on the driver’s license/ID card application
of any qualifying male certifies that he has registered or, if not already registered,
authorizes the Secretary of State’s office to submit his information to the Selective
Service System for registration.
Driver’s License/State ID Card Fees
Driver’s License/Permit
Instruction Permit $20
Driver’s License, ages 18-20 $5
Driver’s License, ages 21-68 $30
Driver’s License, ages 69-80 $5
Driver’s License, ages 81-86 $2
Driver’s License, age 87 and older Free
New Classification added; not at time of renewal (except CDL) $5

School Bus Permit $4
Note: In addition to the regular driver’s license fee, an applicant will pay an addition-
al $5 fee to add/renew an M or L classification to his/her driver’s license.
State ID Card
State ID Card, under age 18 $10
State ID Card, ages 18-64 $20
State ID Card, age 65 and older; Persons with Disabilities Free
Duplicate/Corrected Driver’s License/Permit
Duplicate/Corrected Driver’s License/Permit $5
Duplicate Driver’s License/Permit, under age 60 (license was stolen, full police report
required) Free
Duplicate Driver’s License/Permit, age 60 and older (license was lost/stolen) Free
Duplicate/Corrected State ID Card
Duplicate State ID Card, under age 18 $10
Duplicate State ID Card, ages 18-64 $20
Duplicate State ID Card, (ID card was stolen, full police report required) Free
Duplicate State ID Card, age 60 and older (ID card was lost/stolen) Free
Corrected State ID Card, under age 18 $5
Corrected State ID Card, ages 18-64 $10
Corrected State ID Card, age 65 and older Free
Active Members of the Armed Services (also spouses/children residing at home)
Duplicate License/Permit/State ID Card Free
Fees are subject to legislative change. For up-to-date fee information,
please visit www.cyberdriveillinois.com. For information on commercial
driver’s license fees, refer to the
Commercial Driver’s License Study Guide
.
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Chapter 2: Driver’s License Exams

When applying for a driver’s license, you may be required to take vision, written and
driving exams. Vision and written tests are required for the issuance or renewal of all
permits. Applicants must also pay the appropriate fee (see page 10). You are allowed
three attempts to pass each of these exams within one year from the date you paid
your application fee.
Vision Screening
All applicants must have a vision screening or submit a Vision Specialist Report com-
pleted by a licensed optometrist, ophthalmologist or physician dated within six
months of your facility visit. This form is available at your local Driver Services facili-
ty or at www.cyberdriveillinois.com. Vision requirements include:
• Minimum visual acuity of 20/40 with or without corrective lenses. Drivers with acu-
ity between 20/41 and 20/70 are limited to daylight driving only.
• At least 140 degree peripheral vision (the ability to see to the side) with or without
corrective lenses.
• If you wear glasses or contacts, a restriction will be noted on your license and you
must always wear your glasses or contact lenses when operating a vehicle.
• If you wear telescopic lenses, you must meet special requirements and undergo
additional vision testing to receive your license.
Written Exam
The basic exam requires you to:
• Identify traffic signs by shape, color or symbol.
• Identify signals and pavement markings.
• Answer multiple choice and true/false questions about traffic laws, safety rules,
crash prevention and vehicle equipment.
Exam requirements for motorcycles, trucks and buses vary. Please consult the appro-
priate operator’s manual for these types of vehicles.
Driving Exam
Any new driver may be required to take a driving exam in a vehicle representing the
same size and weight classification as the driver’s license for which they are apply-
ing. All drivers must take a written exam every eight years, except those having no

traffic convictions. New drivers age 75 and older and any driver turning 75 or older
who is renewing his/her driver’s license must take a driving exam in a representative
vehicle.
If you have a traffic crash or other moving violation on your driving record you may be
required to take the written and/or driving exams. If you are age 18 or older and are
driving for the first time, you may want to enroll in a community college or commer-
cial driving school for adults. For more information, call your local community college
or commercial driving school.
To take a driving exam, the vehicle you provide must:
• Be a properly licensed vehicle equipped for the driver’s license classification you are
seeking.
• Comply with Secretary of State vehicle condition standards.
• Be properly insured. Proof of insurance must be provided prior to the exam.
• Display valid front and rear Illinois license plates and a valid registration sticker. If
the vehicle is registered outside of Illinois, it must meet the registration require-
ments of the respective state.
• Be driven to the facility by a driver who has a valid driver’s license/permit.
Only the examiner is allowed to be with you during the exam. Children or pets are not
allowed in the vehicle during the exam and cannot be left unattended in the facility
while the driving exam is under way. If you need to bring children or pets with you,
you must bring someone along to take care of them.
During the driving exam, the driver and the examiner must wear safety belts, as
required by law. You will automatically fail the exam if you violate any traffic law or
commit any dangerous action while taking the exam.
You will be graded on your ability to perform several driving tasks and maneuvers
including the following:
• Start the vehicle by checking the vehicle controls, including the parking brake and
mirrors. Make all adjustments to seats, safety belts, mirrors and other equipment
before you move your vehicle. All the required equipment listed in Chapter 12 must
be working properly.

• Back the vehicle approximately 50 feet at a slow speed, straight and smoothly. Turn
your head to the right and watch to the rear as you back.
• Turn-about using an alley on the left side of the street. Turn your left signal on before
turning into the alley. Back the car out of the alley and stay on your side of the street.
• Park uphill on the side of the road (see pages 29-30).
• Start uphill from a parked position (see pages 29-30).
• Park downhill on the side of the road (see pages 29-30).
• Start downhill from a parked position (see pages 29-30).
• Control your vehicle by obeying all traffic signs, controls devices, right-of-ways,
lane markings and proper use of turn signals.
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Cheating and Bribery
During the written exam, any applicant observed in a situation that could be consid-
ered suspicious (e.g., an open book within his/her field of vision, looking around or
checking a wireless/cellphone or other wireless device, etc.) but no cheating is
observed, will be warned. Once warned, any applicant found cheating on any portion
of the written exam will be failed for that portion of the exam and prohibited from
retaking the written exam for 30 days.
Taking any part of the driver’s license exam for another person is a criminal offense
punishable by a fine and a mandatory minimum seven days in jail.
Additionally, the Secretary of State’s office may deny for a period of 120 consecutive
days the issuance of a driver’s license and/or instruction permit to any person who,
with intent to influence any act related to the issuance of any driver’s license or
instruction permit, attempts to bribe or otherwise influence an employee of the
Secretary of State’s office, the owner of any commercial driver training school
licensed by the Secretary of State, or any other individual authorized to give driving
instructions or administer any part of a driver’s license examination.
Special Services
The Secretary of State’s office provides the following special services for senior citi-

zens, persons with disabilities and veterans:
• Free Rules of the Road Review Courses.
• License plates and parking placards for persons with disabilities.
• Reduced-fee license plate renewal fees for seniors age 65 and older and persons
with disabilities who meet income criteria through the Circuit Breaker Program. For
more information, contact the Illinois Department on Aging.
• Interpreter service for the deaf or hard of hearing when obtaining or renewing a dri-
ver’s license. Please schedule interpreter services in advance by calling 217-557-
0044 or 888-261-5238 (TTY, NexTalk).
• As an Illinois driver’s license/ID cardholder, you may register with the Illinois
Emergency Contact Database. This database allows you to provide emergency con-
tact information for law enforcement or emergency responders in the event of a
crash or emergency situation. You also may provide information about special needs
or disabilities. For more information, visit www.cyberdriveillinois.com.
Chapter 3: Drivers Under Age 21
In Illinois, most people under age 18 learn to drive in high school or at a commercial driv-
er training school licensed by the Secretary of State’s office. Approved driver education
classes include at least 30 hours of classroom study and six hours of behind-the-wheel
training in a regular passenger vehicle.
For information about driving a larger vehicle or a motorcycle, please refer to the
Rules
of the Road for Non-CDL Vehicles
,
Commercial Driver’s License Study Guide
, or
Illinois
Motorcycle Operator Manual
, available at any Driver Services facility or at www.cyber-
driveillinois.com.
Obtaining an Instruction Permit

If you are age 15-17, you may receive your instruction permit if you are enrolled in an
approved driver education class or will start attending an approved driver education class
within the next 30 days. The instruction permit is valid for 24 months and must be held for
at least nine consecutive months prior to obtaining a driver’s license if you are age 16 or
older. If you are age 17 and 3 months or older, you may apply for an instruction permit with-
out taking a driver education course. When you apply for your instruction permit, you must
pass the vision and written exams for the license classification you are seeking.
Your instruction permit allows you to drive during the behind-the wheel portion of your
driver education class with an adult instructor occupying the seat next to you. It also
allows you to drive with a parent, legal guardian or responsible adult age 21 or older
with a valid license for the type of vehicle you are driving and at least one year of driv-
ing experience. After you have successfully completed the driver education class, you
may continue practice driving with your instruction permit, under the direct supervision
of a responsible adult, as outlined above.
Illinois law requires that you have at least 50 hours of behind-the-wheel training, includ-
ing 10 hours of nighttime driving, in addition to your driver education training, before you
are eligible to obtain a driver’s license at age 16. A driving log to track your hours is avail-
able at www.cyberdriveillinois.com or in the
Parent/Teen Driving Guide
.
Driver Education and the
Cooperative Driver Testing Program
High school students who successfully complete an accredited driver education
course of classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction with a combined grade of A or
B may be exempt from taking a facility administered driving exam when applying for
a driver’s license. School districts are encouraged to participate in this voluntary pro-
14
15
gram by contacting the Secretary of State’s office. For more information on the
requirements for this program, visit www.cyberdriveillinois.com.

Upon successful completion of the classroom and behind-the-wheel portions of driv-
er education through your local high school, the Secretary of State’s office will receive
notification and add a notation to your driver’s license record. After successful com-
pletion of a driving exam, you may be issued a Cooperative Driver Testing Certificate,
which must be signed by the driver education instructor and the student’s parent/legal
guardian. The certificate, which expires on the same day as the student’s current
instruction permit and will not be extended, must be presented at any Driver Services
facility at the time of driver’s license application.
Any student under age 18 who drops out of high school cannot have the notation indi-
cating completion placed on his/her driver’s license record unless:
• The instructor has written verification of enrollment in a GED or alternative program;
• The student has a GED;
• The student, prior to dropping out, received passing grades in at least eight cours-
es in the previous two semesters; or
• The student has written consent from his/her parents or legal guardian and the
regional superintendent.
The local superintendent or chief school administrator may waive conditions deemed
in the best interest of the student or dropout. Successful completion of driver educa-
tion may be verified by accessing the Illinois State Board of Education’s website at
www.isbe.state.il.us/students.
Graduated Driver Licensing Program
Illinois’ Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) Program requires drivers ages 15-20 to work
their way to full driving privileges. There are three progressive stages beginning at
age 15 when a young driver obtains his/her learner’s permit. Young drivers must earn
the right to move from one phase to the next based on their driving behavior. Each
phase of the GDL process sets forth specific guidelines for teen drivers operating a
motor vehicle.
Permit Phase — Drivers Age 15
• Nighttime driving restrictions — Sun Thurs., 10 p.m 6 a.m.; Fri Sat., 11 p.m 6
a.m. (local curfews may differ).

• Permit must be held for a minimum of nine months.
• Must practice driving a minimum of 50 hours, including 10 hours at night, super-
vised by a parent or adult age 21 or older with a valid driver’s license.
• Must not acquire any driving or underage alcohol convictions or court supervisions
during the nine-month permit phase.
• Number of passengers limited to one in the front seat and the number of safety
belts in the back seat.
• All occupants must wear safety belts.
• Wireless/cellphone use while driving is prohibited for drivers under age 19, except
in the case of an emergency to contact a law enforcement agency, health-care
provider or emergency services agency.
• Texting while driving is prohibited.
Initial Licensing Phase — Drivers Ages 16-17
• Nighttime driving restrictions — Sun Thurs., 10 p.m 6 a.m.; Fri Sat., 11 p.m 6
a.m. (local curfews may differ).
• Must maintain a conviction-free driving record for six months prior to turning 18. A
traffic conviction during the Initial Licensing Phase may extend restrictions beyond
age 18.
• All occupants must wear safety belts.
• For the first 12 months of licensing, or until the driver turns 18, whichever occurs
first, the number of passengers is limited to one person under age 20, unless the
passenger(s) is a sibling, stepsibling, child or stepchild of the driver. After this peri-
od, the number of passengers is limited to one in the front seat and the number of
safety belts in the back seat.
• Wireless/cellphone use while driving is prohibited for drivers under age 19, except
in the case of an emergency to contact a law enforcement agency, health-care
provider or emergency services agency.
• Texting while driving is prohibited.
Full Licensing Phase — Drivers Ages 18-20
• No age-related restrictions apply except in cases where a driver fails to move from

the Initial Licensing Phase to the Full Licensing Phase.
• Wireless/cellphone use while driving is prohibited for drivers under age 19, except
in the case of an emergency to contact a law enforcement agency, health-care
provider or emergency services agency.
• Texting while driving is prohibited.
For more information about the GDL program, please refer to the Illinois Graduated
Driver Licensing Program brochure at www.cyberdriveillinois.com. Brochures also are
available at your local Driver Services facility, high school driver education program or
a commercial driving school program.
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17
Parental Responsibility
• Parental Consent — Drivers ages 16-17 must have the written consent of a par-
ent/legal guardian to obtain a driver’s license. The parent/legal guardian who gave
initial consent may cancel the minor’s license at any time, for any reason, until the
driver turns 18 by contacting the Secretary of State’s office. Driving privileges will not
be reinstated until the parent/legal guardian who withdrew consent, once again pro-
vides consent or until the driver turns 18, whichever occurs first. The teen driver must
reapply for a driver’s license, take all applicable exams and pay the appropriate fees.
•
Parent-Teen Driving Guide — In partnership with the Illinois Department of
Transportation, the Illinois High School and College Driver Education Association,
and the Illinois Parent Teacher Association, the Secretary of State’s office devel-
oped a
Parent-Teen Driving Guide
to assist parents in teaching their teen drivers the
skills they need to know before they start driving on their own. The guide is avail-
able at www.cyberdriveillinois.com.
•
Parent-Teen Driving Contract — The Secretary of State’s office has created a

voluntary Parent-Teen Driving Contract that establishes parameters and boundaries
between parents and teens to enable young drivers to acquire safe driving habits
and skills. The contract is available in the
Parent-Teen Driving Guide
or at www.
cyberdriveillinois.com.
•
Parental Access to Teen’s Driving Record — The parent/legal guardian of a
person under age 18 who holds an instruction permit or graduated driver’s license
may access the minor’s driving record at no cost at www.cyberdriveillinois.com,
using the PIN provided by the Secretary of State’s office.
Applying for Your Driver’s License
Driver’s licenses for persons under age 21 are printed vertically with distinct features.
To apply for your driver’s license before reaching age 18, you must bring the following
documents to the Driver Services facility:
• Instruction permit;
• Acceptable forms of identification (see page 6);
• Affidavit/Consent For Minor To Drive (if applicable); and
• Cooperative Driver Testing Certificate (if applicable).
• 50-hour driving log with proper signature.
The Secretary of State must have received notification of your driver education com-
pletion and the notation must appear on your driving record before a driver’s license
is issued. Students whose birthdays fall on certain dates are required to pass a driv-
ing exam administered at a Driver Services facility even though they may have taken
and passed a road test conducted by their driver education instructor. If you receive
your driver’s license prior to the expiration of your instruction permit, you may not be
required to pay an additional fee when applying for the driver’s license.
Drivers under age 18 are not allowed to drive for hire any vehicle transporting proper-
ty (e.g., delivery persons or any passenger vehicle transporting 10 or fewer people). For
information on Labor Regulations see page 96.

Related Laws
• Court Supervision for Moving Violations — A driver under age 21 is limited
to one court supervision for serious traffic offenses. To obtain court supervision for
a traffic violation, a driver under age 21 must attend traffic safety school. A driver
under age 18 must appear in court with a parent/legal guardian and also must
attend traffic safety school. If receiving court supervision for certain alcohol-relat-
ed violations, a driver under age 18 will be denied a full graduated driver’s license
for nine months.
•
Loss of Driving Privileges for Moving Violations — A driver under age 21
convicted of two or more moving violations within a 24-month period will have
his/her driver’s license suspended for a minimum of 30 days. The length of the sus-
pension varies according to the seriousness of the traffic offenses. A driver may be
required to complete a driver remedial education course as part of reinstatement of
driving privileges. A suspended driver may be, but is not always, eligible for a
Restricted Driving Permit during the suspension period.
•
Driver’s License Suspension for Alcohol Consumption — A person under
age 21 who receives court supervision for possession, consumption, purchase or
receipt of alcohol will receive a three-month driver’s license suspension. A convic-
tion will result in a minimum six-month suspension of driving privileges.
•
Crash Involving Bodily Harm or Death — A person under age 18 charged
with an offense due to a crash where a passenger was seriously injured or killed
may be denied issuance/renewal of his/her driver’s license. Alcohol need not play
a factor in the crash.
18
Chapter 3 Study Questions
1. During the Initial Licensing Phase, a teen driver is allowed only two passengers
under age 20 in the vehicle during the first 12 months of licensing.

o True o False
2. In order to obtain court supervision for a traffic violation, a minor must appear
in court with a parent/legal guardian and attend a traffic safety school.
o True o False
3. A parent or legal guardian may request that the driver’s license of a minor be
cancelled at any time prior to age 18.
o True o False
19
Chapter 4: Traffic Laws
Traffic laws protect all who share our streets and highways. It is important to obey the
orders of a police officer, firefighter, highway authority official or uniformed adult
school crossing guard who is directing traffic or performing his/her official duties.
New Laws
• Slow-moving vehicle emblems may not be displayed on an object other than an ani-
mal-drawn vehicle, farm tractor, implement of husbandry and certain special mobile
equipment.
• The Secretary of State’s office may adopt rules to establish informational restric-
tions that can be placed on a driver's license specific to conditions of the licensee.
• A vehicle used by someone driving on a suspended or revoked license is subject to
seizure and forfeiture if the driver’s privileges were revoked or suspended for cer-
tain violations in another state.
• Using a wireless/cellphone device is prohibited while driving within 500 feet of an
emergency scene, except in certain circumstances.
• A person driving a commercial motor vehicle is prohibited from using a hand-held
cellphone or texting.
• The prohibition of wireless/cellphone use in a construction or maintenance zone
includes the area where signage is posted advising drivers that a construction or
maintenance zone is being approached.
• A motorcycle rider may proceed, after yielding the right-of-way to oncoming traffic,
through a red light that fails to turn green after waiting for at least 120 seconds.

• A driver involved in a motor vehicle crash resulting only in damage to a vehicle may
move the vehicle as soon as possible to the nearest safe location that does not
obstruct traffic in order to exchange and render aid.
• The Secretary of State’s office may suspend the driver's license of a person deter-
mined by a court to have engaged in child visitation abuse.
Safety Belt Law
Illinois law requires all drivers and passengers (front and back seat) age 8 and older
to wear safety belts even if the vehicle is equipped with air bags. Passengers under
age 8 must be secured in an appropriate child restraint system as covered by the Child
Passenger Protection Act (see page 20). When riding in a truck with only a front seat
equipped with safety belts, a child under age 8 must be secured in an appropriate
child restraint system.
If a passenger has a disability or medical condition that makes him/her unable to
secure his/her own safety belt, the driver is responsible for securing and adjusting the
safety belt for that passenger.
It is the responsibility of the driver to ensure that ALL passengers obey the safety belt
law and the Child Passenger Protection Act. Anyone found guilty of disobeying this
law is subject to a fine and court costs.
Safety Belt Fitting
The lap belt should be worn across the hip bones and should never be positioned
across the stomach or soft part of the abdomen. The shoulder strap should be as snug
as possible yet allow the driver to reach important controls. Adjust the shoulder strap
so it is comfortable and does not cross the body at or near the neck or face.
Air Bag Safety
Air bags are designed to provide supplemental protection in combination with safety
belts. Air bags are lifesaving devices, but special precautions should be taken when
driving in air bag-equipped vehicles.
A distance of 10-12 inches between the driver and the air bag is desirable, especial-
ly for short, elderly or pregnant drivers. Shorter drivers may use foot pedal extenders.
Passengers should position their seats as far back as possible, tilting the seat back

slightly if necessary.
Children riding in the front seat can be seriously injured or killed when an air bag
deploys in a crash. Therefore, it is recommended that children age 12 and younger be
properly secured in the back seat. If a child under age 8 must ride in the front pasen-
ger seat with an active air bag, he/she should be in a properly installed, appropriate
forward-facing child safety seat with the seat as far back as possible. Rear-facing
child safety seats should be secured only in the back seat of a vehicle and should
never be installed in front of an active airbag.
Child Passenger Protection Act
The Child Passenger Protection Act requires that all children under age 8 be properly
secured in an appropriate child safety restraint system. This includes the use of boost-
er seats, which must only be used with a lap/shoulder safety belt. If the back seat of
the vehicle is not equipped with lap/shoulder type safety belts, a child weighing more
than 40 pounds may be transported in the back seat without a booster seat, secured
with a lap belt only.
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21
Speed Limits
Speeding is one of the leading contributors to vehicle crashes. You may drive at the max-
imum allowable speed only under safe conditions. For safety purposes, a minimum
speed limit may be posted along certain roadways. When minimum limits are not post-
ed, drivers should not drive so slow as to create an interference with the normal move-
ment of traffic. The following speed limits apply, unless otherwise posted:
• Interstate tollways, freeways and some four-lane highways — 65 mph
• Most other highways and rural areas — 55 mph
• City/Town Areas — 30 mph
• Alleys — 15 mph
• School Zones — 20 mph (on school days between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. when children
are present and signs are posted).
A driver must take care to slow down when approaching and crossing an intersection,

going around a curve, approaching the top of a hill or traveling on a narrow and wind-
ing roadway. Drivers must be aware that there may always be dangers present due to
pedestrians, traffic, weather, mechanical problems or road conditions.
Construction Zones, Emergency Vehicles,
School Zones and Funeral Processions
Construction Zones
When approaching or entering a highway construction or maintenance area (also
known as work zones), Illinois law requires motorists to slow down, discontinue wire-
less/cellphone use, yield to any authorized vehicles or workers in the area, change to
a lane away from the workers when possible, and proceed with caution.
Emergency/Maintenance Vehicles
When approaching a stationary emergency/maintenance vehicle using visual signals,
Illinois law requires motorists to yield, change to a lane away from the emergency
workers when possible, and proceed with caution. If a lane change is not possible,
reduce speed and proceed with caution. Illinois law prohibits the use of wireless/cell-
phones within 500 feet of an emergency scene, except in certain circumstances.
When being approached by an emergency vehicle using audible and visual signals
(lights and/or sirens), Illinois law requires motorists to immediately pull to the right side
of the road and allow the emergency vehicle to pass. In some cases a complete stop
may be necessary to allow the emergency vehicle to pass. If stopped at an intersection
with two-way traffic, remain stopped until the emergency vehicle passes.
School Zones
When approaching a marked school zone between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m., on days when
school is in operation and children are present, a driver must discontinue wireless/cell-
phone use, reduce speed to 20 mph, and stop and yield the right-of-way to any children
or adults in the crosswalk area.
Funeral Processions
Motorists encountering a funeral procession must yield the right-of-way to all vehi-
cles in the procession. Motorists should NOT drive between vehicles in an organized
funeral procession, except when required to do so by a law enforcement officer; join

a funeral procession for the purpose of securing the right-of-way; or attempt to pass
any vehicle in an organized funeral procession, except where a passing lane has been
specifically provided.
Right-of-Way
A driver must yield the right-of-way to other drivers or pedestrians:
• When making a right turn on a red light after a complete stop.
• After coming to a complete stop at an intersection where there is a stop sign or
flashing red signal. If there is no stop line, stop before the crosswalk. If there is no
crosswalk or stop line, stop at a place where all approaching traffic can be seen.
• When making a left turn on a red light after a stop from a one-way street to anoth-
er one-way street with traffic moving to the left (see Figure A on page 23).
• When more than one driver reaches a four-way stop intersection. The first driver to
stop should be the first to go. When two vehicles on different roadways arrive at a
four-way stop intersection at the same time, the vehicle on the left should yield to
the vehicle on the right (see Figure B on page 23).
• When two vehicles on different roadways reach an uncontrolled intersection at the
same time. The vehicle on the left should yield to the vehicle on the right.
• To oncoming traffic when making a left-hand turn. If you enter an intersection while
the light is green, you may finish your turn even though the light turns red.
• To through traffic when approaching a MERGE sign. You must increase or decrease
your speed to avoid a crash.
• When approaching a YIELD sign. You should slow down or stop to avoid a crash.
• Even after the light turns green when there are vehicles in the intersection.
• When emerging from an alley, building, private road or driveway after coming to a
complete stop (see Figure C on page 23).
• To cross traffic when on the terminating highway of a “T” intersection with no traf-
fic control signs or signals (see Figure D on page 23).
• When approaching emergency vehicles using audible and visual signals.
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23

Pedestrian Right-of-Way
A driver must come to a complete stop (and yield):
• When a pedestrian is in a marked crosswalk.
• On school days, when children are in close proximity to a school zone crosswalk.
A driver must yield to a pedestrian:
• When a pedestrian is in an unmarked crosswalk on the driver’s side of the roadway
and there are no traffic control signals.
• When making a turn at any intersection.
• When making a lawful turn on a red light after coming to a complete stop.
• After coming to a complete stop at a stop sign or flashing red signal at an intersection.
• When a pedestrian enters a crosswalk before the traffic light changed.
• When a pedestrian is walking with a green light, to a walking person symbol or a
walk signal.
• When a pedestrian is leaving or entering a street or highway from an alley, build-
ing, private road or driveway.
“A” yields to “B” before turning
from one-way street onto
one-way street moving left.
“A” and “B” yield to “C”
because “C” arrived at
intersection first.
“A” yields to “B” because
“B” is on the right.
“B” yields to “A” at “T”
intersection with no
signs or signals.
“B” yields to “A” before
entering roadway from
alley or driveway.
Figure A

Figure D
Figure C
Figure B